How to Connect to Your Hosting With FTP (FileZilla)

Step 1: Create an FTP account

You can use your main cPanel username, but a separate FTP account is safer — especially for a designer — because you can limit it to one folder and delete it later.

1. In cPanel, go to Files → FTP Accounts.
2. Log In: e.g. designer (the full username becomes designer@yourbusiness.co.ke).
3. Password: use the Password Generator and copy the password.
4. Directory: this is the folder the account can see. Type public_html to allow only the website, or public_html/shop for one site folder. ⚠️ cPanel pre-fills public_html/designer — change it, or the account will open an empty folder.
5. Quota: Unlimited (or a limit in MB).
6. Click Create FTP Account.

Step 2: Get the connection details

Scroll down to the account in the FTP Accounts list and click Configure FTP Client. Note:

Setting	Value
Host / Server	ftp.yourbusiness.co.ke
Username	designer@yourbusiness.co.ke (the full name)
Port	21
Encryption	Require explicit FTP over TLS (FTPS)

Step 3: Install FileZilla

Download the free FileZilla Client from filezilla-project.org (choose Download FileZilla Client). During installation on Windows, decline any optional extra offers.

Step 4: Save the site in Site Manager

1. Open FileZilla → File → Site Manager → New site. Name it Braysons — yourbusiness.co.ke.
2. Protocol: FTP – File Transfer Protocol.
3. Host: ftp.yourbusiness.co.ke — Port: 21.
4. Encryption: Require explicit FTP over TLS.
5. Logon Type: Normal (or Ask for password on shared computers).
6. User: the full FTP username. Password: the FTP password.
7. Click Connect.

The first time, FileZilla shows Unknown certificate. Check that it belongs to your server/domain, tick Always trust this certificate in future sessions, and click OK.

Step 5: Transfer files

FileZilla has two sides: left = your computer, right = your hosting.

• Upload: in the right panel open public_html (or the folder your account starts in); in the left panel open your site folder; select files on the left and drag them to the right.
• Download: drag from right to left.
• The queue at the bottom shows progress and any failed transfers (right-click → Reset and requeue to retry).

Give a designer temporary access — safely

• Create a separate FTP account limited to the folder they need.
• Send the password through a different channel from the username.
• Delete the account (FTP Accounts → Delete) when the work is finished.

Troubleshooting

FileZilla message	Cause	Fix
530 Login authentication failed	Wrong password, or username without @yourbusiness.co.ke	Use the full username; reset the password in FTP Accounts
Connection timed out / ECONNREFUSED	Wrong host, or your network blocks FTP	Use ftp.yourbusiness.co.ke; try mobile data; or use the server IP from cPanel's statistics panel
Failed to retrieve directory listing	Firewall/router blocks passive mode	Try another network; in FileZilla Edit → Settings → FTP → Passive ensure passive is selected
Server did not report the TLS certificate / TLS errors	Old FileZilla or wrong encryption	Update FileZilla; select Require explicit FTP over TLS
Account opens an empty folder	Directory set to public_html/designer	Change the account's directory in FTP Accounts
550 Permission denied	Writing outside the allowed folder, or file permissions	Upload inside the account's folder; check permissions are 644/755

Frequently asked questions

Is FTP secure? Plain FTP sends passwords unencrypted. Always use explicit FTP over TLS, as above.

Can I use SFTP? SFTP (over SSH, port 22) needs SSH access on your account. Ask support if your plan supports it; otherwise FTPS is the secure choice.